Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies; Black Studies

Overview

Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies (Black Studies) – Fall 2026 start. Western Washington University invites applications from community-engaged scholars whose teaching, research, and scholarship in Black Studies engage topics such as Black transnational and diasporic studies; comparative race, ethnicity, social movements; well-being; and/or critical race theory. We are open to any discipline. The successful applicant will teach introductory and advanced undergraduate courses in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies and will participate in building a new department.

Western Washington University, with over 16,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. Western has additional sites in Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo.

Western is recognized nationally for its successes, such as being named one of the top public master’s-granting institutions in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.

Western Washington University is committed to excellence through inclusive success, sustainability, and transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. We value diverse populations and expect all employees to maintain productive inclusive working relationships and contribute to a learning and working environment where everyone can thrive. Employees are expected to operationalize sustainability concepts in their duties.

The Ethnic Studies Department centers the histories, epistemologies, and lived experiences of minoritized peoples and Indigenous Nations. Our approach is intersectional and transnational, highlighting Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other minoritized communities. See the department website for more information: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The department encourages applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds with diverse experiences.

The successful candidate will:

• Teach introductory and advanced undergraduate courses in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies.
• Participate in the collaborative development of the new department.
• Fulfill standard quarter-system teaching assignments (2-2-2).
• Demonstrate exemplary teaching and an active program of scholarly activity.
• Provide service to the department, college, university, and profession.
• Foster equitable and inclusive learning environments and engage in community-engaged scholarship and ethical research practices.

• PhD in Black Studies, Ethnic Studies, or another relevant field in the Humanities or Social Sciences, or ABD at the time of application (all degree requirements must be completed by June 15 of the first year of employment).
• Demonstrated ability to teach introductory and advanced theory and methods courses (undergraduate).
• Research record leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals or equivalent scholarly dissemination.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse students and cultivate inclusive learning environments.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse colleagues and demonstrate culturally responsive collaboration.

• Commitment to building a strong Ethnic Studies Department through curriculum development and demonstrated leadership.
• Additional expertise in Black culture, politics, and/or the Pacific Northwest.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative and community-engaged research.

Immunization policies apply. If you need information regarding medical or religious exemptions and accommodations, contact HR. Salary: commensurate with experience; anticipated starting salary for tenure-track is generally $71,500–$74,500, with a full range of $71,500–$80,500. Relocation assistance may be available. Salary and startup funds are determined upon offer.

Applications must be submitted via…